That Nokia Android Phone Might Be Unveiled This Month

Last month, it was revealed that Nokia may be working on an Android device. The news was surprising considering Nokia’s commitment to the Windows Phone platform as well as the company now being owned by Microsoft. According to a new report, the phone, known as Normandy, is very real and will be unveiled later this month.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Nokia and Microsoft will be unveiling its line of Normandy devices at Mobile World Congress later this month. The low-end Android devices will run a forked version of Android that emphasizes Nokia and Microsoft services while stripping out all of Google’s services.

If you’re just joining us, the Nokia Normandy is a rumored line of low-end Android devices that Nokia was working on before being sold to Microsoft. The devices are reportedly meant to replace Nokia’s own low-end Asha devices which run the company’s own custom software. With Normandy, the company is seemingly planning to get its own, as well as Microsoft’s services, into as many hands as possible through low-end hardware running a forked version of Google’s popular Android OS.

So, how low-end are we talking here? Will Nokia’s Normandy be able to compete with other low-end devices, like the Moto G? According to @evleaks, the Normandy will be an even lower-end phone with a dual-core Snapdragon CPU, 4-inch display, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage and a 5MP rear camera. In short, the Normandy is the kind of low-end intended for emerging markets, like China or India, where price is more important specs.

Still, it’s an interesting prospect – Microsoft may soon be selling an Android phone if these reports are accurate. While Microsoft won’t be offering any Google services on its device, it will still be using the OS that Windows Phone directly competes with. In this case, Microsoft may be taking “if you can’t beat them, join them” stance with a long-term goal of converting those Normandy users into Windows Phone users once the markets mature.